Buck, Kansas City run down Oakland

Wednesday

Jul 30, 2008 at 12:01 AM

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - John Buck ran enough just chasing a foul ball. Jogging around the bases after his home run was much easier.

Buck and Mike Aviles hit home runs, Gil Meche allowed five hits over seven innings and the Kansas City Royals won their fourth consecutive road game, beating the fading Oakland Athletics 5-2 last night.

Aviles' solo shot in the sixth gave the Royals a 2-1 lead, and Buck's three-run homer in the seventh gave them some breathing room. Mark Grudzielanek also drove in a run.

With an expansive foul territory to roam, Buck ended the first inning by nabbing Kurt Suzuki's foul ball in front of the Royals' dugout. He remained upright while nimbly navigating the dugout steps.

"That's the farthest I've went for a foul ball, that's for sure," Buck said.

Meche (9-9) beat the A's for only the third time in 11 decisions, giving up two runs while walking two and striking out eight. Meche improved to 6-1 over his last 10 starts, with an ERA of 2.66 over that span.

Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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